Para 

translated by John Irons. Original title 'Para', by Tjitse Hofman

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PARA

Snakes are sliding
down my legs
from my groin
slithering down
chilly longish
slippery snakes
without hissing
slithering down

I know that it
isn't real
for I'm lying in bed
and want to get up
but I'm not able
my whole body's
paralyzed fused
with the mattress
the sissy sheets

I know that it
isn't real
I know that it
isn't real
outside the sun
is grabbing at the clouds
but they wont get out
the way and so
there is darkness
in the darkness uproar
reigns I cant put up
with uproar then
the stars begin
to fall I donut
like that

I know that it
isn't real
I know that it
isn't real
it comes from
the heat with a heat
like this a person
cant breathe normally
fish feel the same too

I'm well aware
that roots are sprouting
from my back because
I cannot move
a body needs nurture
and a body feels thirst
its good
to have roots
they will find
find moisture.

 

© Tjitse Hofman, 1999
© translation John Irons, 2000
original title: Para, from TV 2000, Passage Publishing Company, Groningen, 1999



© Tjitse Hofman & John Irons 1999/2000/2001. Auteursrecht berust bij de auteur en vertaler op basis van de Auteurswet 1912. Er mag niets uit deze website worden overgenomen, opgeslagen op media ter verspreiding onder derden, gepubliceerd of anderszins verveelvuldigd zonder uitdrukkelijke, voorafgaande schriftelijke toestemming van de auteur en vertaler.